Jilly Cooper, the iconic ‘grande dame’ of English romance novels, whose career blossomed from newspaper columns to bestselling books, has passed away at the age of 88. Her beloved ‘Rutshire Chronicles’ series, vividly portraying the glamorous and often scandalous lives of British high society, sold millions worldwide.
Her publisher, Curtis Brown, confirmed that Ms. Cooper’s death on Sunday followed a fall.
Through her captivating series, Cooper brought to life the fictional county of Rutshire, immersing readers in the lives of its affluent inhabitants. Central to these tales was her quintessential hero, Rupert Campbell-Black – a charismatic polo player who became a Conservative Member of Parliament, renowned as the most dashing and alluring man in England.
Spanning eleven novels, the series began in 1985 with ‘Riders,’ delving into the dramatic lives of Rupert and his intricate circle of friends and rivals. Readers were enthralled by their flamboyant escapades, passionate affairs, and extravagant social gatherings. The second installment, ‘Rivals,’ introduced Taggie, Rupert’s kind-hearted second wife, characterized by her sweet nature and her struggle with severe dyslexia.
Her final work in the series, ‘Tackle!,’ released in 2023, saw Rupert Campbell-Black embark on an exciting journey into the realm of professional soccer.
These ‘Rutshire’ novels consistently topped bestseller lists in her home country. Her vibrant universe gained new life in October 2024 when Disney+ and Hulu launched a television series inspired by the books, introducing her unforgettable characters and stories to American viewers.